Public consultation on inclusion strategy for Sheffield children with special education needs extended

Sheffield City Council, NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group and Sheffield’s Parent Carer Forum worked together to draft the new city-wide inclusion strategy which sets the priorities for how Sheffield supports its children and young people with additional needs.

Last month a public consultation was launched – running from November 11 to December 8 – asking families, schools and services to offer their feedback on the plans to help shape the future SEND support.

Now, it has been announced that the consultation period has been extended until January 26 in order to give as many people as possible the opportunity to respond given that December is such a busy time.

Dr Terry Hudsen, local GP and Chair at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “We’re particularly keen to hear from families, schools and people who work in children and young people’s services as they are best placed to help us shape our priorities for children with SEND. We would also be happy to come and visit your group or meeting if you want to have a discussion and feedback face to face.”

The strategy, which will run for five years and be finalised after the consultation, has been developed from the views of over 800 people including two surveys, young people taking part in discussion groups and feedback from people who attended co-production sessions.

Dr Hudsen added: “Feedback from children, young people and their families made it clear that we can do better in making sure they are at the centre of all decision making and that services meet their needs in a timely and coordinated manner.

“The aspiration across Sheffield is to change the way we work so that we act early to identify, assess and meet people’s needs, to work in partnership with each other and to establish integrated and local services that make Sheffield an inclusive city.”

Executive Director of People Services, John Macilwraith, said: “We all want the best for our children and to see them thrive and live happy and fulfilled lives. For children with special educational needs this is no different. It is important that they have the right support in place in their early years, at school, and other health and care needs met.”

To take part in the consultation go to www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/schools-childcare/inclusion-consultation.html